Comedian Chris Mata makes two night stop at Comics Live Comedy Club

Avoiding the current trends of raunchy comedy, Chris Mata brings a fresh approach to getting a laugh with two nights of stand-up performances at the Comics Live Comedy Club.

Catch Chris Mata live at 10:30 p.m. Friday or on Saturday catch one of two shows beginning at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Mata, who has appeared on national platforms such as Comedy Central and Loco Comedy Jam, has gone from being a kids’ karate instructor to being a full-time funny man.

“My Dad always thought that if I wasn’t sweating or mangling my hands, it wasn’t work,” Mata said. “People don’t always know that the jokes are always being written and that being a comedian is constant work. I think my Dad is proud now, but it took him a while to accept it especially after having a manly job like teaching karate.”

Mata’s comic style differs with each performance because his interaction with the crowd is an integral part of his routine. Unlike many comedians who use their audience as emotional punching bags, Mata keeps his shows’ atmosphere positive.

“I don’t put anyone down because I don’t want anyone to go away feeling like they’ve been made fun of. I want to make the audience feel like they are a good part of the show,” Mata said. “Some comics only like performing written material and some like messing with the crowd, but I do both and sometimes it’s completely improvisational.”

With two kids, a college degree in progress, and a blossoming comedy career under way, it makes sense that Mata’s sense of humor has earned him national recognition as a successful comedian.

“I’m a history major and I have a 4.0 (grade-point average),” Mata said. “My friends always ask me why I don’t hang out anymore, but my academic life has become my priority and I think about how my academics can affect my show. .”

Mata doesn’t hide his joy at seeing his dreams of being a success on stage come true.

“I never wanted to be anything else ever,” Mata said. “I made it happen and I guess that’s why I’m beside myself on how lucky I am to be able to do this for a living.”